Guernsey plant life promoted

Visit Guernsey has been highlighting the horticultural wonders the island has to offer.

During April, gardeners have the opportunity to see the famed Bluebell Woods near St Peter Port in all their splendour.

The robust imported Spanish varieties have threatened delicate native flowers, but Bluebell Woods has survived and each spring is blanketed in a carpet of deep blue bloom.

In addition, the islands Candie Gardens houses the oldest-known heated glass houses in the British Isles, dating back to the late 18th century.

Once part of a private Victorian estate, the gardens offer a great view across St Peter Port harbour and also have a late 19th century public flower garden for visitors to enjoy.

Plant lovers willing to make an extra effort to travel to Herm Island will be rewarded with a Britain in Bloom winner.

The car-free isle is home to thousands of plants and trees – so many that the head gardener has lost track, according to the tourism agency.

Located just north of France, the islands benefit from being bathed in the gulf stream, which brings warmer weather.